Işıkhan: Increasing Employment and Labor Force Participation Remains Our Top Priority

The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, stated, "The increase in employment and labor force participation rate, which is one of our top priorities, continues."

Işıkhan provided an evaluation regarding the labor statistics announced today. He said:

"In line with the targets of the Medium-Term Program, with the steps we have taken to strengthen working life, the number of employed people increased by 156,000 in October, reaching 32 million 970 thousand. The employment rate rose by 0.2 points to 49.9%. Thus, we have reached the highest level of employment rate in our history. The unemployment rate increased by 0.1 points to 8.8%. Unemployment has remained in single digits for the last 18 months.

In October, our labor force increased by 219,000 compared to the previous month, rising to 36 million 146 thousand. The labor force participation rate rose by 0.3 points to 54.7%.

We continue our policies to enable our youth and women to take a greater role in working life for stable and sustainable economic growth. The unemployment rate among the young population decreased by 0.3 points compared to the previous month, standing at 16.6%.

We will continue to shape the Century of Turkey with investments, employment, production, and export initiatives."